One of my pledges this year is to complete reviews of more dive sites and shops. Three Tables Beach is the first beach north of Waimea Bay, and it is marked by 3 reefs that have relatively flat formations ("tables) that pop out of the water. Parking nearby is limited, so come early on a summer weekend! There isn't a comfort station, nearest one is about 50 yards north facing the Firehouse area. No shower either, we've taken solar shower bags or portable shower pumps to clean off. It's got one of the biggest beach areas around Pupukea with very soft sand that your feet will sink into around the tidal area. Once in the water, there is a relatively steep drop and you will quickly get into water up to your shoulders. The diving is superb! Lots of topography, with all sorts of interesting rock & reef formations that fish and other critters hang out. In the past we've had all sorts of rays (especially manta) swiftly come out and photo bomb us before leaving. This year in the aftermath of the two Kona Low storms a lot of sea life was taken out in the mud, fresh water, & general pollution run off in the water. Although the water has mostly cleaned itself out, the sea life hasn't returned in the numbers that you would expect in the summer North Shore diving season. It is still very tranquil and theraputic to dive, even we don't see our favorite critters! Our favorite route is to surface swim due west, dive and follow the topography as it bares toward Waimea Bay, until you hit the sea wall and go north back to the beach. There's a number of caverns and other underwater structures leading back to Three Tables Beach up to about 5-7 feet from shore. We've found some cool nudibranches such as Spanish Dancers in the caverns- it was a great end to the dive! Will repeat and highly recommend, let's go diving! read more

Three Tables Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

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Reading random reviews of this North Shore spot, I added this as a stop on our final full day on the island. Due to our schedule, we didn't get here until a little after 1 pm on a Thursday. The parking lot was full but we were fortunate that a car was pulling out as we searched for a space. It was a convenient stop as my friend and I felt nature's calling so the public restroom here came in handy. As the winds kicked up and the skies darkened, I looked in both directions in looking for the calmer beach area which turned out to be to the right, eastward. I could see a cove area with a number of people wading in the shallows. Other posted photos show a variety of marine life easily seen there. On our next visit, we'll need to decide whether to come in the morning before hitting those eating spots. With the lines at that popular east side beach, this may be the best alternative if you're like me and not fond of crowds. read more

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We came here since Waimea beach park didn't have parking. Very nice beach in between sharks cove and Waimea, the only con when we went was the waves are way too strong to get in the water especially for kids. I'm sure it varies depending on the weather. read more

Sigh, guess place is truly spectacular and dare I say, the best beach I've visited in Hawaii yet! We were lucky to find a parking spot right across the street and for it being a Sunday afternoon, didn't seem too busy. The sights are gorgeous and the snorkeling is even better! I had a ball exploring the water and seeing all the fish that call Hawaii home. We were there until almost sunset and it was just a fantastic day. I highly recommend making the trip here if youre in the north shore side of the island. Added bonus that there's a Foodland within walking distance! read more

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A smaller beach area off of Kamehameha Hwy. It's a short walk from the parking lot, but once you go past the trees, the view is ridiculously beautiful. The water is so piercingly blue, it's almost surreal. Not many beachgoers when we stopped by, but I'm sure it's busier during the summer months. There are picnic tables right next to the small parking lot. Parking is free, but a bitch to get out of and back onto the highway. read more

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I saw the blow hole go off, rubber Ducky's waves for the groms too..need to go back. The place is amazing

Such a beautiful stretch of beach that's perfect for an afternoon of sunbathing and relaxing. Waves are pretty big with some surfers enjoying them. Currents is strong and tough so be careful. Just lounging and enjoying watching the waves crashing into the three tables is quite relaxing and peaceful. It's not a super big stretch of beach but a nice size. Parking can be limited so be advised. Also, Foodland isn't a far walk away so thats helpful with a snack. read more

According to to-Hawaii.com, Three Tables Beach gets its name from the three sections of flat reef that appear on the ocean's surface during low tide, which is funny because the strip of lawn has three picnic tables. Coincidence? Maybe the people in charge of "TABLES!!" (said in Tim Robinson's voice- please google it) were OCD and just couldn't put two tables or four tables at Three Tables Beach. Though I prefer the range of Shark's Cove, a popular website the advises people on trips ranks this #1, as snorkeling here is stellar May-September, turtles have been spotted, and the beach is sandy. It was fine in February, though the unpredictable surf can reach heights of 20 feet. This is a little gem of a beach between two powerhouses: Waimea Bay Beach and Shark's Cove. The water is 15 feet deep and full of life, as part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation Project, which is about conserving the beauty, not talking about it. That's the Pupukea Marine Life Conversation Project, so don't get them mixed up. read more

Three Tables Beach - "TAY-BULLLS!"- Tim Robinson - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

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Three Tables is another beautiful, calm beach. Its gorgeous thick sand looks like tiny pebbles. Waters are clear and calm enough to snorkel in and see fish! Sunset is spectacular here. read more

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This is an awesome snorkelling beach with easy (free) roadside parking. Would definitely recommend to amateur snorkelers looking for a nice beach to spend a few hours. read more

One of the many great beaches in the North Shore! It's conveniently located near a Foodland, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and other smaller restaurants and eateries. Parking isn't too bad either; there are paved lots and parking right off the Kamehameha Highway. This is also a great beach for catching a sunset. And yes, the larger rocks you see in the near distance that stick out of the water is one of the main reasons why this is called Three Tables! read more

Gosh ...I loved this secluded beach! It was not crowded at all!! Well, there was a reason but still fun to hang out here! The sand was not as soft but not dirty or with lots of seaweed like other beaches. Sunset was great here but no sunrise can be seen here. Great for playing in the sand and relaxing and seeing the big waves on the reefs. The reason why it may not be as busy is the waves. There are big reefs surrounding this beach and when the big waves hit them causing huge waves in the water to swim or wade. I know is, we were being swept up and down the waters. It was still fun playing in the water and sand. There are large rocks to the right where you will see medium sized crabs and eggs. You will sometimes see structured rocks balancing each other for display by an artist who patiently does this. For a private beach to hang out in, this is the one. [116/100] read more

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Great beach for snorkeling and family friendly. Beautiful views and plenty of marine life to see. read more

6 miles from Haleiwa and a lovely spot. 3 tables signifies some small land masses about 100 ft. off shore that get exposed during lower tides. Beautiful beach and a short walk from public parking. read more

Three Tables Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

This is a great beach to go to, but the bathroom is a walk and the showers are even further away. The waves can get rough at some points, but they are fun to float around in. I like how the sand is coarse so it's not the type that sticks to your body and comes out the next day from behind your ears. LoL. Beach chairs are difficult to sit in as they sink all the way down. LoL. No lifeguard so swim at your own risk. read more

A quick stop in here coz the sky is so melancholy dramatic in a wonderful way. My husband can't stop taking panorama shots w/c I opted not to do coz phone's camera ain't working on its lighting and I'm too lazy to do the adjustment. Hahaha. ~ Easy access parking nearby that's close to the beach. Not too crowded & beach by far is clean. Perfect for my me-time indeed. This beach is surrounded with big reefs and I guess that's one of the reason why there are not too many folkx in here. Despite the big waves, few people will surely love this secluded beach as it will offer you great snaps and a lil gate-away or quick picnic spot as this one is closer to a place where food trucks are hangin' around. I guess they are just across the street. ~ Downfall? You might want to hold your pee on the next bathroom as they got disgusting one in here. I won't elaborate it further but trust me, prepare to puke if you really want to see the situation. ~ Mahalo & HAPPY JUANDERING fellow yelpers. www.juanderbandit.world read more

Three Tables Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

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We didn't stop here for too long because we were on a bit of a schedule... but checking out beaches along the highway was one of our favorite things to do between scheduled stops. This beach was no exception! There was a lot of parking and plenty of spaces to sit on the beach. The current is a bit strong on the windy days, but it's still nice to relax and sit by the water even if it lacks the ideal conditions for swimming. We went on a less busy day, so there were only a few other people at the beach at the time. I agree with other reviewers that the bathroom is nasty - it is definitely a "hold your breath" situation. You would be better off visiting Waimea Beach and using the bathrooms there. read more

Broad, beautiful, beach. In August the light brown sand is almost too warm to walk on barefoot. A soft, but persistent, breeze makes the near 100 degree temperature irrelevant. Easiily accessible, relatively uncrowded, this is my favorite North Shore beach to just kick back and my favorite place to snorkel. There's probably twenty or so parking spots immediately above the beach on K Hwy, and an actual Three Tables Beach parking lot just a short distance up the road. The official parking lot has a rudimentary bathroom. There's also a grassy area with picnic tables. Along the path from the parking lot to the beach we spotted several cool rock-balancing sculptures. Beautiful! If you park on the road right above, the beach is an easy ten yards down a slight slope through a swatch of shade trees. The sand is liberally littered with leaves and seed pods from the trees. At the top of the slope there's a sign posted with the Beach Rules. Most notably, if you are going in the water, they ask that you use Reef Friendly Sunscreen. Seems reasonable to me. Nearby Shark's Cove is much more famous, but this place is much friendlier to beginner snorkelers. Access to the water at Shark's Cove is rocky and quite treacherous. Here at Three Tables, water entry is as easy as it gets. The sand extends so far into the water, and at such a shallow slope, you can actually sit down to put on your flippers. There are no waves to speak of (in the Summer) because the beach is protected by the Three Tables. Getting out of the water is super easy too. You can swim until you run out of water, and when you do, you run into soft, forgiving, sand. We snorkeled here twice. Impressive variety of colorful fish. Lots of small fish in the area between the beach and the Three Tables. Schools of much larger fish to swim with if you swim out to the other side of the Tables. Note there are signs on the beach warning of Rip Currents. And, it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: you need to be very careful swimming close to the Tables. The ocean surge can push you into the sharp rocks. The closer you are to the Tables, the stronger the surge. Swam for a while with one turtle and observed another chilling in his little hideout. A big ass eel popped his head out of some rocks and scared the bejesus out of me. They're cool as hell on TV, but they're scary AF face to face. Man, I'm not trying to see any eels. LOL! Fairly well dispersed, but lots and lots of coral. The best coral on the North Shore according to TropicalSnorkeling.com. So, reef-friendly sunscreen, a'ight? The underwater landscape is utterly fantastic. Incredible other-wordly volcanic rock formations rising to just below the surface of the water bring the natural beauty close up and personal. Mikey C says: Three Tables Beach, Five Stars all Summer! read more

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We went in on Father's Day, so it was somewhat busy. However the beach was beautiful. Ample swimming and snorkeling. Beautiful sand and we even got to watch a seal take a nap! read more

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This is by far our favorite beach in North Shore. It typically isn't too busy if you go on a week day when tourists aren't visiting. Beach is always clean and the views are beautiful. Close to food and gas so it isn't too far out the way. Parking can be a pain on the weekends. read more

Three Tables Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Awesome little beach tucked away on the North Shore. Quiet, not crowded and great snorkeling. The entry and exit of the water can be less than graceful when the surf is up.... Watch out for the rocks read more

Nice snorkeling location just next to shark's cove. We spotted a WALL OF FISHES here! Also spotted a sea turtle. One of the better places to snorkel. Coke here when shark's cove gets busy. read more

I really like this spot. Easy parking, beach access so close to street and parking. The benches offer an easy way to eat lunch, and relax while watching waves. I had went to Giovanni's for garlic shrimp scampi and happened to pass by this spot and thought how convenient it was to eat my meal with my dog and enjoy the beach and view. Luckily, had a perfect day and it was so nice. Lots of locals and tourists but overall very convenient and enjoyable. read more

This is just a 5-10 minute walk (or 2' drive) west of the infamous shark cove. It has its own limited parking, a lot of shaded beach area for lounging, and I think better snorkeling than shark cove (SC). Plus It has easy access to the 3 "tables" of coral straight from the sandy beach (whereas you need to traverse sharp rocks at sharks cove). read more

The only problem is.... Bathrooms is disgusting..HOLY SHIT!! It's bad!!! Gross!!! I had to hold my nose. I rather piss on the side of the road then those porta potty lol. I ain't ever going in one of those again... Sorry, I'm ganna do it my way, & it's find a spot & piss lmao!! I rather have hundred million people watch me, then suffer!! Ps! The shit was to the top lmao! I was like WTF lol. They need to clean it, seriously. read more

Favorite beach for snorkeling with kids. Tons of fish and super safe with clear water and no current. Brought wife and both kids out to deep area over reef and felt safer and better than places like hanauma bay. Love this place! Also sunset here is amazing and so cool to watch it while in the water!! read more

Great place to relax with your feet in the sand and sun burning your skin. Beauty scenery and amazing place to go snorkeling. A lot of fish and a huge area to swim around in. Beach- Not to crowded, clean sand when I went and there is shaded areas under trees in the back. Parking- Available parking lots near by but depends what time you go it may be hard to get the close parking. Head here early if you want to find parking. read more

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An amazing beach for snorkeling. Lots of reef to snorkel around and lots of fish to see. Sandy beach with lots of sun, but shady options as well. Private parking lot and bathroom. The sand has some rocks and debris from nearby trees, but it clears up at the shoreline. High tide and winter season can make some nasty breakers, so go when it is more flat. When it is super flat, you can even swim up to the "tables" and stand on them. It's a great beach to spend the afternoon sunbathing or snorkeling, but not great from swimming, boating, or surfing. Nice stop along North Shore, with plenty other beaches to go to if the water is too rough. Not far from Haleiwa, so closeby dinner and lunch options. My fiancé and I spent the day here together and it was super peaceful and chill. Her siblings went out to snorkel and the water was super clear. Only drawbacks were the tree and brush debris and rocks on some of the beach area, the off-and-on really rough currents, the people walking directly on the reef, and the absence of a lifeguard. We still definitely recommend the beach for good snorkeling, a relaxing time at the beach, good view of the ocean, and proximity to Haleiwa. :) read more

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This is a nice beach. The water is gorgeous and clear. We weren't originally planning on coming here, but this just happened to be the beach we could find the closest parking to on the north shore. The beach itself was nice and clean. It is called three tables beach for three t rock formations out in the ocean. There were lots of snorkelers here, but it was great just for swimming. The waves apparently can get very rough here, but we went on a calm day so there were no issues. Beautiful beach. read more

I love this beach. It is protected and sup family oriented. The reef is easy to check out even on windy rough days. The snorkeling is wonderful. This is my favorite beach on the North Shore. FIGHT ON read more

Three Tables Beach - Best beach for kick back relaxing. - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Good beach. We got easy parking on a weekday morning. There was a monk seal out and NOAA did a great job of roping it off and keeping it safe and stayed around to answer questions some people had. read more

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Excellent beach to snorkel and see all kinds of fish. When you swim out the water get deep quickly (waist deep to 12 feet). Better that way since my feet don't get cut up by the shallow rocks. A nice mix of beginner and intermediate snorkeling opportunities. The first table, quite easy to swim to, but the last table to the far right, isn't so easy since the tide is strong. I almost lost my snorkel when I tried to clear my snorkel. A definite gem to swim. I'll be back when I'm in the area again. read more

This was a great little find. Easy parking and great shady mangroves to tuck away in when needed. Some snorkeling available. Small beach but very cozy. Not too many people and yet enough to enjoy some people watching as well. read more

Fun beach! I've heard the current can be really strong in winter, but today (sep 2017) it was nice. Lots of great shady spots and walking distance to food trucks and better snorkeling spots. read more

My favorite beach for snorkeling on Oahu. The swim isn't too far out like Electric Beach, the entry isn't sharp rocky(lol) like Shark Cove next door, and the water isn't too shallow like Hanauma Bay. read more